Are Jewish Stereotypes Funny?

Apr 18, 2009 | by Marnie Macauley

Are Jewish stereotypes funny or just plain offensive?

Sheldon excitedly told his parents he fell in love and was getting married.
"And ... just for fun, I'm going to bring over three women and you guess which one I'm going to marry." Mama and Papa agreed.

The next day he brought three beauties who sat on the sofa and chatted with Mama and
Papa over a little cake. After they left, Sheldon challenged, "Okay, which one am I marrying?"

"The one in the middle with the red hair," they replied together instantly.

"Right ... but how did you know?" asked Sheldon, amazed.

"Her, we don't like."

Quick. Did you chuckle, laugh out loud, not laugh because it wasn't funny ... not laugh because it's a "typical-negative-stereotype-that's-offensive-to-the-Jewish-people?"

It's that last one – when lobbed at all "Jewishy" material (especially on a Jewish humor site) – that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up like a shaving brush.

To deny that "Jewish humor" exists, is like denying the Italians have a way with opera

Not long ago, I talked with two famous Jewish comics about Jewish humor. Both assumed "the basic" bewildered look. "Jewish humor? Is there such a thing? I don't know from this," they said, adding a little harumph. Odd, as each made a very nice living doing Jewish "shtick," assuming at times, a Yiddish accent while doing it. One even suggested there was no difference between Red Skelton and Jackie Mason. Twins separated at birth? I don't think so. Regardless of where each of us stand on "stereotypes," to deny that thousands of years of "Jewish humor" exists, is like denying the Italians have a way with opera, the French know from sauces, or happy Greeks break plates.

So why deny it? No doubt, they, too were quaking over the thought of being seen as stereotypical tummlers who spent their days chanting "Put your right foot in," at Grossinger's, circa 1960.

Before you "typical-negative-stereotype-that's-offensive-to-the-Jewish-people" holler, I agree. Some "jokes" that pass for Jewish humor are offensive. The old, "Why is a Jewish mother like a Rottweiler ...? ... Never lets go ... Bada Boom!" is not only offensive to Jews, it's offensive to funny people. Ditto for "Jewish Princess" two-liners. They're unkind, unintelligent, and unfunny. None of which resembles almost every Jew I know. (Oops! Again with the stereotyping.)

But when all funny references to our ethnicity lands on some lantspeople like radioactive fall-out, I think, "How sad." "Sad," when negative, unfair, and unbalanced stereotypes in the secular world have turned us away from claiming many of the magnificent, and yes, humorous characteristics we do share.

When a Judy Gold or Amy Borkowsky talks or writes about their Jewish mothers, when you watch Will and Grace, Seinfeld, Private Benjamin, The Way we Were, The First Wives Club, and yes, read my pieces on Jewlarious, these are informed, not by stereotypes, but by the truth of our experience. If that truth didn't resonate with enough of our readers or viewers, we'd be scoping degrees in Library Science.

So, in response, can we discuss a little?

American Jewish "Stereotypes"

The first major nationwide portrayal of Jews and Jewish life on radio, then television, was The Goldbergs, on the scene from the 1930's to the 1950's. A Yiddishe, I Remember Mama, there was Molly, the immigrant mama, her husband Jake, daughter Rosalie, son Sammy, and Uncle David. From their Bronx apartment, Molly, head out the window ("Yoo-hoo ... anybody?") shmoozed and fixed her family, and everyone in her orbit (Mrs. Bloom, and Seymour Fingerhood, for example) – in hysterical Yinglish, which became known as "Mollyisms."

MOLLYISMS:

"Vat's de matter, so late, Sammy? Let me look at your hands. Playing marbles, ha? A marble shooter you're gonna be? A beautiful business for a Jewish boy!"

"It's late, Jake, and time to expire."
"Mr. Policeman, officer of the law, your honor, could you be so kindly if you would inform me of the location of where is 14th St.?"

"Give me a swallow, the glass."-
"If it's nobody, I'll call back."

AND JAKE-ISMS:

"You're breaking your father's heart."

Molly was a genuine American hit! The audience of Jews and non-Jews alike were laughing with, not at her, and few complained about the "typical-negative-stereotype-that's-offensive-to-the-Jewish-people" material that abounded throughout the show.

The answer to "How could this be?" is the key, I believe, in the Jewish humor vs. negative stereotype equation.

The brilliant Gertrude Berg (Molly) spoke for all first and second generation immigrants of every ethnicity. Jewish humor was a vehicle for common sense, wisdom, and compassion. America loved Molly – because Americans knew her, or someone like her. Whether they spoke Yinglish, Italiadish, or Eiredish, it was all Ameridish.

Whether they spoke Yinglish, Italiadish, or Eiredish, it was all Ameridish.

Her Jewish humor reflected the trials, hopes, and patriotism of many new post-war Americans. And made their journey, personal, amenable, and funny. Is there a better way to impart knowledge of the human condition?
We saw that our special ancient gift of fearless, satirical, wise, and yes, sophisticated Jewish humor, was the kishkes, of most humor.

Rather than being afraid, ashamed, or hollering over the "typical-negative-stereotype-that's-offensive-to-the-Jewish-people," we Jews should be proud. Proud, because since Molly, we saw how, in the right hands, the truth of our ethnicity, could entertain, inform, and universally resonate.

If it didn't, a Sid Caesar, Joan Rivers, or Jackie Mason would be playing to an audience of 50 at the Flatbush Knights of Pythias, The Producers would be a hit -- at the local JCC, and Seinfeld – wouldn't be, altogether.

Part two: American Negative Jewish Stereotypes: Where Did They Come From?
Or, My Son the Assimilator

So many responses. My favorite Jewish joke (from a book of Jewish jokes) is this, A baker was sitting on a bench when a Cossack approached him and exclaimed, "It's all the Jews fault! All the problems in the world!" To which the baker replied, "And the bicycle riders." The Cossack asked, "Why the bicycle riders?" The baker replied, "Why the Jews?"

(15)
Yak Fatzko,
February 12, 2013 6:23 PM

You have neck hair like a shaving brush??!!

Really? Man, I didn't know there were any Jewish werewolves. These would come with their own sterotypes: "Of course silver and garlic don't work against me, I enjoy both.". "Sorry, can't bite anyone tonight, I'm having milchigs later", "I can't open the door for Shfoch Chamascha - it's always a full moon on seder night". "Sorry I'm late, I couldn't consume my victim right away - I had to soak and salt first."

(14)
carolwarner,
October 31, 2011 5:01 PM

i wish i was jewish

I was in Washington Dc and I saw a vendor selling kosher hotdogs. I asked fpr one and the guy said hey whats your accent? I said british. Well you know what i always say he replied. If you cant be yiddish be briddish.

(13)
Jessice,
January 17, 2011 7:37 PM

Jewish Stereotypes are simply meant for laughs

True as it may be that some stereotypes are offensive, I believe that most of them are created by jews themselves. They are made up for a good laugh during conversations. My theory is that everyone at one time or another has told a joke relating to who they were that contained a stereotype, but when they begin to be passed along by those of different ethnicities, people feel ofended. Though the argument that such offensive stereotypes shouldn't be spread, we have to think about the fact that ignorance and biggetry are not always the motives behind such comments. They are mostly made up for laughs and should be thought of lightly!

John O'Dwyer,
November 1, 2011 4:52 PM

Very true to be sure

Ah sure, we Paddies know more than anyone about that.

(12)
Leo Seligsohn,
December 21, 2010 6:09 PM

FUNNY BECAUSE IT BOOSTS THE EGO

Jewish or Goyish, it's all the same. I've never heard a joke -- ethnic or otherwise -- that didn't draw on the neediness of its characters. It works because it gives the listener a sense of superiority, even when it reflects his or her own foibles. Combined with the ego boost the best jokes also carry a feeling of warmth toward the person or situation portrayed. But it's the warmth that one feels for a puppy or a baby. The self-deprecating funny man (Woody Allen style) simply has the comic making him or herself the subject of his jokes. So I say long live Jewish humor along with other ethnic humor as long as the putdowns are hamishly warm..

(11)
Debi Day,
July 25, 2010 9:04 AM

I must admit.....

I induldged not infrequently in private " litacule" what i term belittling ridicule, but only behind the closed doors of my residence, where i am safe and not letting my innoxuous mirth escape. i think that's when others may find one unacceptable and call up their religion for oppinioning.

(10)
Feigele,
May 22, 2009 2:01 PM

A Good Joke never Hurts!

I for one loves Jewish humour. I believe it represents our ethnicity and preserves our traditions and it feels right at home.
But I also believe that to deeply understand it, one has to be Jewish, or else can you understand the wisdom, compassion and common sense that portray the Jewish people. I am not enthusiastic about other race’s jokes, as it criticise their habits, although funny some may be. I don’t like to be made fun at, so I don’t like to make fun at others either. But I still get it and have a good laugh when really good and not offensive to anyone. And, yes, I did laugh at the choice of bride: “Her, we don’t like” typically Jewish.

This article says it all for me!!! I applaud the guts, brains, analyses, and Jewlarious for printing it!
Congrats to you all, and especially Marnie. Time to hold up our heads and be who we are without shame!
PC be "darned."
Marta S and family

(8)
Anonymous,
April 21, 2009 3:14 PM

Jews love stereotypes

Jews love stereotypes, including (especially?) those concerning other people. Here are a few I heard during the past few weeks: "All black people are criminals." When informed that the people she identified as "Chinese" (not Chinese Americans) were actually Vietnamese, someone asked: "How can you tell? They all look alike." An Irish Jew (who describes his physical appearance as "stereotypically" Irish) said he was sick and tired of being "told" that his "people" are drunks. A few minutes after that, a Jewish woman insisted that one can tell a person's ethnicity by their name--"Patrick" had to be Irish, a Jew named Rodriguez had to be a Spanish Jew (couldn't possibly be Puerto Rican, Mexican, South American, etc)--and so on, ad nauseum. Why is it that so many so-called "religious" Jews actually believe the negative stereotypes that the rest of the country rejected decades ago? It denigrates a significant portion of G-d's creation, Jewish or otherwise. Why can't they learn how to treat people like human beings and not get so hung up on stereotypes?

(7)
Phil Peltz,
April 21, 2009 2:15 PM

Batting 1,0000

This Marnie is not only very witty, but she is also highly intelligent.

(6)
Herbert Michelson,
April 21, 2009 10:30 AM

AMEN!

I agree just about completely with what you have written. thank you for it. However, in the present world climate----everywhere, I feel that the "Jewlarious" piece itself is offensive and dangerous. Although I look forward eagerly to receiving the AISH emails. In point of fact, if Jewlarious was something that circulated amongst Jews, and very like Jews of my generation (I'm 83) I would welcome it and laugh since I share the culture and folk lore that it derives from and I love being a Jew! No, I am not observant but that's an individual choice as I view it. However, in the world climate today Jews cannot laugh at themselves publicly any longer. Sadly, this is probably a significant factor in our long survival as a People and a culture, because the "humor" that is part of who we are has allowed us to smile through the horrendous "love" of the gentile world. Laughing at Jews has been worldwide and is fodder for islamic hate and the traditional hatred of other non Jewish religious groups for our People, nations, etc. you name it! At my age I can remember WWII and what preceeded it clearly and with pain. I can remember the sequel as well and since that testifies to same kind of superiority that white America manifested at negro Americans in such thigs as blackface humor, step and fetchit, and other equally derogatory, (humorous) views of non white society. We defended the non white part of our society when Civil Rights battles were being fought and now I find that many non white people have joined white anti semities and self hating Jews in their attacks against Jewry and much of this takes the form of a belly laugh at the doings of Jews as portrayed in Jewlarious and the like. Today I read of Eli Wiesel being called "zionist naxi" at the Durban 2 conference. Yet again the hatred of the arab lands was shouted, and on, and on, ad nauseum! In my view, Humankind is not ready to laugh at Jewish generated self deprecation self directed humor), a trait that for decent people represents the very special humanity of Jews and Jewish culture, but for so many provides more fodder for their cannons of hate.

(5)
Sol Kopfschwindel,
April 21, 2009 5:55 AM

Let it go already

Political correctness has become akin to a malignancy. Once we stop making fun of ourselves and others, we’ve stopped appreciating what others bring to the cultural table. Stereotypes are based on facts. Why not exploit them, have a chuckle and loosen the purse string around our collective butt holes? Right now in order to say things about others behavior it has to be in code or done behind closed doors. That only makes it more inviting for people to do it.
We are too thin skinned anymore, Nu?

(4)
george,
April 20, 2009 5:29 PM

Brilliant!

It's about time someone said it!!!!! Brava, Marni. How right you are.
Looking forward to the next one!
Dr. George

(3)
Hilda,
April 20, 2009 12:43 PM

today Jews are portrayed as thugs and worse

These days during the Politically correct necessity and the desire to protect Muslems who are never shown as varmits. Only Jews and Evangelical Christians are the theivesm the murdersers the olesters. Jews with yarmelkas and beards, Jews who speak Yiddish or pray in Hebrew so you cant mistake them are the outlaws. If you don,t believe me, you haven't seen Law in Order lately.

(2)
Ezza Amittai,
April 20, 2009 10:24 AM

Humour and Political Correctness

The day that political correctness drives humour out of the realms of acceptability would be the day this planet G-d forbid is too boring to live on. I feel G-d gave us humour as one of His MAJOR gifts. Without humour and sleep, we'd all be insane.
Just think, most humour is 'derogatory' about something or someone, the funniness is IN the difficult and sometimes tragic truths about people and life. My general rule is that if I can take or make a joke against myself, then I can make them about others. The only people to whom humour should be forbidden are people who can't laugh at their own ridiculous human condition.
If G-d didn't have a sense of humour, would He have created the mosquito? An insect that can make you SMACK YOURSELF IN THE FACE REALLY HARD, in bed in the dark, and still miss it! Now that's a sense of humour.

(1)
Baruch Gershom,
April 20, 2009 9:35 AM

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

The immigrant perspective is always one that many cultures have in common. Every Jew I know who has seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" instantly identified with it. It ranks as one of the greatest "Jewish" weddings in the same way that Bill Clinton was the first "black" president.